Medford, OR – Firefighters continue making progress on a large biomass pile fire in White City, but crews remain on scene Monday evening as suppression and overhaul operations continue following a third-alarm response.
According to Jackson County Fire District 3, the fire was reported at approximately 2:31 p.m. Monday, July 13, at a biomass facility in the 2350 block of Avenue G in White City. Additional resources were quickly dispatched, and the incident was upgraded first to a second alarm before later being elevated to a third alarm.
Officials said crews have successfully contained the fire to the vegetation piles and are now focused on cooling the material and extinguishing remaining hot spots. Firefighters are using engines, an aerial ladder truck, heavy brush units, and other specialized equipment during the extended operation.
A shift in the wind has pushed smoke to the south, reducing visibility in the area. Avenue G remains closed between Agate Road and Highway 62 to allow firefighters to connect hoses to nearby hydrants and safely conduct suppression efforts.
Authorities are asking motorists to avoid the area and use alternate routes while emergency crews remain on scene. No injuries or damage outside the biomass piles have been reported.
Jackson County Fire District 3 thanked mutual aid partners, including Medford Fire Department, Jacksonville Fire Department, the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Police, for assisting with firefighting operations and traffic control.
